General Studies Paper I · 2015–2025
15 questions from the real papers, each with the official answer and an explanation we wrote ourselves.
These are actual UPSC Prelims Science & Tech questions. They are grouped by the concept being tested rather than by the year they appeared, because the concept is what repeats — and seeing the same idea asked three different ways across a decade is the whole reason to read old papers at all.
Concepts with only one question explained so far. They get their own page once there are two.
UPSC 2025 · Q31 · Composites, Ceramics & Alloys
Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry…
UPSC 2025 · Q33 · Basic Physics Concepts (Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism)
Consider the following statements: Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's…
UPSC 2025 · Q36 · Synthetic & Other Clean Fuels (Ammonia, CNG, Methanol)
With reference to 'Direct Air Capture', an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It…
UPSC 2025 · Q37 · Animal Classification & Physiology
Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous crustacean…
UPSC 2025 · Q39 · Plant Genetics & Crop Science
Consider the following pairs: I. Cassava : Woody shrub II. Ginger : Herb with pseudostem III. Malabar spinach…
UPSC 2025 · Q41 · Fuel Cells (Hydrogen, PEM)
Consider the following types of vehicles: I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel…
UPSC 2025 · Q43 · Battery Technologies (Li-ion, Sodium-ion, Solid-State)
In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV…
UPSC 2025 · Q46 · DRDO & Defence Indigenisation
What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are…
UPSC 2025 · Q47 · Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Generative AI, LLMs)
Consider the following statements: I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1…
UPSC 2025 · Q48 · Emerging Viral Diseases (COVID-19, Nipah, Zika, Influenza)
With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements: I. They are…
UPSC 2025 · Q49 · Virology Basics & Transmission
Consider the following statements: I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No virus can infect bacteria. III. No…
UPSC 2025 · Q50 · Nanomaterials & Applications (Carbon Nanotubes, Quantum Dots)
Consider the following statements: Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants…
UPSC 2025 · Q70 · Solar & Wind Technology (PV Cells, Offshore Wind)
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': I. It targets installation of one crore…